The Pursuit of Privateering as Seen Through the Eyes of Nathan Reeves, 1759-1760

Abstract

My choice of subject matter was based on a longtime interest in the sea and American colonial history. Privateering provides a good reference point from which to understand pre-revolutionary America, for it exemplifies the growth of American maritime commerce and the resultant growth of financial independence. The self interest and profit motives of colonial privateers are the some of the most basic motivations for historical change and through an examination of this institution, we can see the development of some of the attitudes that led to the Revolution. In addition, the success of colonial privateering indicates the growth and importance of international commerce in the modern era. American colonial privateering exemplifies many of the historical changes that ushered in the independence of America from the British Empire.